Health Bulletin 28/March/2026

Here are the top health stories for the day:

Due to the recent regulatory changes in the Post Graduate Medical Minimum Standard Requirements, 2023, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has extended the last date for submission of applications for Broad Speciality and Super Speciality courses for starting new postgraduate medical courses, establishing new PG medical institutes (standalone PG institutes), and increasing seats in existing PG courses for the academic year 2026-27.

Issuing a public notice on 26.3.2026, the president of the Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) of NMC notified that the deadline extension, which was earlier fixed as March 31, 2026, has now been extended till April 20, 2026 (11:59 PM), giving additional time to medical institutions to comply with the revised norms.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

PGMSR revisions: NMC extends application deadline for new PG, SS courses, institutes, seat increase 2026-27

Karnataka Implements Rs 50 Lakh Penalty and Three-Year Government Service Bond for PG Medical Students

All postgraduate medical, diploma, and dental students admitted to government medical and dental colleges across Karnataka under the Government quota, including the All India Quota, will have to mandatorily serve three years of compulsory service in government institutions.

An order issued in this regard by the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department on 24.3.2026 mentioned, "In light of the points mentioned in the proposal, and considering the requirement of compulsory service, the Government has decided that all postgraduate medical and dental degree and diploma candidates admitted under the Government quota (including All India Quota) in medical and dental colleges in Karnataka shall be required to serve the Government for a minimum period of three (3) years, subject to the following terms and conditions."

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

Rs 50 lakh penalty, 3 year govt service: Karnataka PG medical bond policy

MBBS Limbo: Three BRD Medical College Students Stuck as NMC Nine-Year Cap Clashes With MCI-Era Admissions

While the National Medical Commission (NMC) rules now mandate that MBBS students must complete the course within 9 years from the date of admission, three students of BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, admitted during the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) era have remained stuck in the course for over 20 years after failing in certain subjects.

Recently, the college released the results of one student following a High Court order, while two others are still awaiting their results.

The three students belong to the 1998, 2009 and 2010 batches and had enrolled in the MBBS course at BRD Medical College. However, due to failure to clear certain subjects in examinations, long delays in pending examinations, result declaration and regulatory hurdles, their academic progress remained stalled for over two decades.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

MBBS limbo: BRD medical college 3 Students stuck for upto 20 years as NMC's 9-year cap clashes with MCI-era admissions

NEET Aspirant Spends 10 Hours Daily Chatting With AI, Family Calls Situation Beyond Repair

As artificial intelligence tools become embedded in daily routines, concerns are rising over their psychological impact, especially among students preparing for competitive exams like NEET. A recent Reddit post highlighted a 21-year-old aspirant reportedly spending up to 10 hours daily interacting with AI chatbots, raising questions about digital dependence, loneliness, and academic stress. The user described increased isolation, excessive screen time, and emotional volatility, suggesting the behaviour may be linked to exam pressure and lack of social interaction.

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The post triggered widespread discussion online, with users sharing similar experiences and offering advice. Many emphasised the need for open communication, emotional support, and encouraging real-world engagement. Some users admitted to similar patterns during intense study phases, attributing it to loneliness and the comfort of constant interaction. Experts often caution that while AI tools can support learning, excessive reliance may affect mental well-being and productivity.